Questions to Ask Yourself

For some students, their identity/identities may have shaped their reasons for pursuing a particular health profession. Taking some time to reflect on the different motivators driving you toward your chosen health profession can be a valuable tool when considering what information to include in your application materials, especially your personal statement. For more information on this process, check in with you HPA advisor for advice on the value of sharing these motivations in your application.

This is a profoundly personal decision and your choice will most likely be informed by a number of variables, ranging from location to racial and ethnic identity. For some students, it may be important to seek an institution historically dedicated to educating students sharing their racial and ethnic identity (e.g., a Hispanic Service Institution [HSI]). So, it is worthwhile researching and connecting with institutional resources, such as an admissions office, prior to applying.

Understanding the school’s values and guiding principles and comparing them with your own is another way to start identifying your options. An important question to ask yourself: “Am I confident this program has the resources and opportunities to help me reach my goals?”

Beyond institutional resources, some professional organizations may have additional information. For example, this AAMC report lists medical schools graduating the highest number of Latinx physicians in the US. The Hispanic-Serving Health Professions Schools (HSHPS) is another good resource to consult.

While the diversity of the student population is typically included in institutional data, finding information on the diversity of the faculty and staff may be more difficult to find. Looking at individual department faculty and staff profiles, often on an ‘About Us’ web page, may be a way to get further insights into the racial diversity at the institution. Also check to see if a program or institution has an office or website dedicated to diversity and inclusion.

Take a little time to reflect on your current environment and the resources you have used, or missed, both on and off campus throughout your undergraduate experience. Consider the different academic resources, social experiences, professional opportunities and emotional and health care support that have been parts of your experience. Reflecting upon the resources you need, or want, may also include family, friends, and the program location. These reflections may serve as a good starting point to filter through the many programs and locations across the country. 

Further, consider academic resources may include tutoring, study skills sessions, disabilities services, research opportunities, and student and faculty mentoring. Social resources may include access to student clubs and organizations, as well as safe and friendly spaces to meet others sharing your race and/or ethnicity on and off campus. Professional resources may include opportunities or programs to connect you with practitioners in your chosen field and are often included in the curriculum.

Cost of living might also be a significant factor in your choices. Connecting with the program’s financial assistance advisor(s) can be an additional way to glean insights on debt burdens and local cost of living estimates.

This outreach strategy can help you gain insights into the campus and off campus environment at prospective schools. Current students can often share insights with you that are not on the website or admissions materials. These insights may also benefit you when interviewing at the institution, as you have not only shown initiative, you may be able to talk more confidently about your fit at the institution.